Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

what is Meibomian Gland Dysfunction?

Meibomian glands are a type of gland found in our eyelids. Most people have around 20-30 glands in the lower eyelid, and 25-40 glands in the lower eyelid. Meibomian glands help to secrete oil onto the surface of the eye. This helps to prevent tears from evaporating too quickly, thereby allowing the eye to remain lubricated.

Meibomian gland dysfunction, often abbreviated to MGD, is a condition where (1) a blockage or (2) a gland abnormality prevents the meibomian glands from secreting sufficient oil. As a result, there are insufficient tears to lubricate the eye. This may cause dryness, redness, and tiredness.

MGD is one of the main causes of dry eye syndrome and blepharitis.

Symptoms of Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

Symptoms of MGD include the following:

Dryness
Redness
Stinging or burning sensation
Gritty or “sandy” feeling
Blurred or fluctuating vision

Especially in severe cases, the symptoms of MGD can cause significant discomfort and affect one’s quality of life. People who have MGD may find it difficult to perform tasks such as reading road signs, recognizing friends, driving at night, work and school activities.

Because the symptoms of MGD are so varied, many people who have the condition do not realize it. If you are showing symptoms of MGD and feel that it is affecting your daily life, it is best to consult an eye specialist. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent MGD from worsening.

70% of Singaporeans are affected by Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

MGD is extremely common among Singaporeans. A survey by Johnson & Johnson Vision revealed that [1]:

70% of Singaporeans experience symptoms of MGD
86% of Singaporeans do not know what MGD is
76% of Singaporeans who have MGD choose not to seek professional help, putting their eyesight at risk

What are the treatment options For Meibomian Gland Dysfunction

There are a number of treatment options of MGD, including:

Eyelid wipes
Warm compress
LipiFlow thermal pulsation system
Microblepharoexfoliation (BLEPHEX treatment)

LipiFlow Thermal Pulsation System

LipiFlow is a 20-minute, in-clinic treatment procedure. This treatment delivers therapeutic energy to the meibomian glands. As a result, the obstructed meibum is liquefied and pushed up and out of the gland orifices.

LipiFlow has more than 10 years of scientific research behind it. Also, its safety and long-term effectiveness have been demonstrated in peer-reviewed studies. [2]. Read more about Lipiflow here.

Microblepharoexfoliation (BLEPHEX treatment)

BlephEx™ treatment is a painless procedure performed by an eye care professional using a medical device called BlephEx which helps to
physically scrub the edge of the eyelids and eyelashes. This helps to remove excess bacteria, biofilm and bacterial toxins, the main causes of eyelid symptoms, and the procedure takes about 10-15mins for both eyes.